For decades, the band Alabama’s “My Home’s in Alabama” has captured a sense of home that stays with people wherever life takes them. The familiar words are sung by Alabamians at all types of public gatherings. Now, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) wants to make it the state’s official anthem.
Ledbetter publicly backed the idea Oct. 27 after a post on X urged him to follow Florida’s lead in recognizing a song rooted in the state it celebrates.
That’s it — challenge accepted. Let’s make “My Homes in Alabama” our great state’s official anthem.
Who’s with me?
— Nathaniel Ledbetter (@RepLedbetter) October 27, 2026
“That’s it — challenge accepted. Let’s make ‘My Homes in Alabama’ our great state’s official anthem. Who’s with me?” Ledbetter wrote.
The challenge followed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order designating John Anderson’s “Seminole Wind” as “Florida’s Anthem.” The order establishes a separate designation from Florida’s existing statutory state anthem and encourages lawmakers to put the recognition into state law.
In Alabama, the discussion has revived an idea that reached the Legislature more than two decades ago but never became law.
The Art of Alabama Politics pointed to Florida’s announcement in renewing its call for lawmakers to recognize “My Home’s in Alabama,” written by Fort Payne natives Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry.
The outlet pointed to a measure introduced in 2000 by then-state Sen. Jack Biddle (R-Gardendale). His proposal would have designated “My Home’s in Alabama” as the official state ballad, made “Stars Fell on Alabama” the state song and moved Julia Tutwiler’s “Alabama” to state anthem status.
The outlet reported that the bill passed the Senate but failed in the House after opposition from supporters of Tutwiler’s song and lawmakers who objected to the barroom setting in “My Home’s in Alabama.”
This time, The Art of Alabama Politics is asking lawmakers to consider a state ballad designation. Ledbetter’s response calls for making the song the state anthem.
The speaker’s support also carries a personal connection. He, and Alabama’s lead singer, Owen, both DeKalb County natives, have been longtime friends. Earlier this month, Ledbetter presented Owen with the Alabama Humanities Fellow award, recognizing his role in sharing Southern stories through music.
More than 25 years after the earlier proposal stalled in the House, “My Home’s in Alabama” now has the House speaker’s public support. Ledbetter’s post, however, does not specify when or how he plans to pursue official recognition.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at s[email protected].
